lulahoney

7/15/15

ok, so I'm not literally on the road at the moment but I am moving on. it's time to close the lula chapter and begin the next. as you know, I have been slowly getting things in place to get my new shop ready. I was making decisions and then breaking them because I wasn't a hundred percent committed to the new shop. But it's time. I have had a hard time separating the new shop from the old me. You see, I started lulahoney back in 2008 with nothing but a sewing machine and determination. I started a line of clothing wear for kids, eventually had my own brick and mortar shop and blogged about cool things in the kids and teen industry. I've also had projects on the side like a magazine and photography work. Many rad opportunities were born from lulahoney and for that I am forever grateful. However, with the new shop comes new adventures. YES, I will still be blogging, just not here. I'll be sharing behind the scenes stories, interviews with designers I stock, interviews with other entrepreneurs, and of course photos. it wasn't an easy decision as I'm very attached to lulahoney but it's the right one. And with the support of friends, it's a decision I am super stoked about. In the top right hand corner you can click on the Instagram, Pinterest, and shop link where you can find me. Those will be updated in the coming days with the new info and left there so you can always click on one and say hi! I'll also be posting one more entry with the link to the website, shop, and new blog!

Well guys, it was a trippy ride for the past seven years and I cannot wait for you to join me on this next adventure.

7/9/15

you can't always get what you want. in lola's case, it was to go skateboarding down by the pier at ambleside beach. at first she was not stoked about having to run errands with me {first photo} so she pouted on the tailgate for a few minutes but then she got over it and rode around on our street for a bit.

in the upcoming weeks, i have a few interviews lined up with some of my favorite creatives. i also still owe you all a shop update {something i was supposed to do on monday} but because i had the flu, i'm still working on a special post for that...stay tuned.

7/8/15

this week has not been as productive as i thought it would be. i was hit with the flu. hard. i'm still not fully myself but i am getting there. the one constant has been the ocean. everyday. morning, afternoon, evening, we don't have favorites. so as i was half dying on the beach {in a bikini at least}, lola would do her cardio and stick close to the shore line and carmen would swim off. as much as i miss the country life, living on the ocean right now is pretty sweet.

also, i'm starting a new series on the blog titled 'a weekly vibe' which pretty much highlights my cool city ---> vancouver

7/3/15

We have been in and out of the ocean for the past eight days. It's been awesome. We plan on spending the weekend that way too. And maybe next week. Happy weekend friends. We will be back Monday with some exciting shop news!

7/1/15

I am so in love with the vintage bikini and vintage bathing suit from little creative factory.

We have been spending a lot of time by the ocean since school is out and I have no doubt that these suits would be a perfect fit for that. You can check out all of little creative factory at www.littlecreativefactory.com

6/30/15

I have gotten a few new readers and emails asking more about sports, kids in sports, gymnastics, training schedules, etc, etc. In no way do I consider myself an expert but I am knowledgable enough to pass on good information. If you search this blog or just scroll back, you'll see scattered posts on the subject.

Right now, a lot of competitive gymnasts are on summer break. It's a two week period generally and usually when most take their holidays, visit family, etc, etc. I've stated this before but it's important for gymnasts to have a break, not just physically but mentally as gymnastics is such a mental sport. My biggest question regarding this is does a gymnast stop training altogether during this time. The answer is no. Although, there is no training in the gym, you are still expected to do some conditioning {even if you are on a beach in Hawaii}.

I shared some fun cardio to do with your athlete awhile back but above is a peek at what Lola does five times a week along with cardio and a few other exercises. It's important to keep her strength and stamina up. Obviously, the first few days back in the gym are gradual but there are expectations that the gymnast will still be able to pick up where they left off prior to the break.

I think this is a perfect example of maintaining her strength and flexibility for these two weeks. Keep in mind that Lola is seven years old and a pre novice national athlete. It's a good fit for her. If your athlete is older, younger, national level or provincial, it will be different. Most importantly, don't forget to keep it fun and relaxed. No one wants their mother screaming at them to workout, am I right?!

6/22/15

Lately, I have been hiking mountains. I have actually been doing daily hikes for the past 10 months now but have recently stepped up my game in terms of time and distance. Previously, I was clocking in about 40 minutes four to five days a week with an easy to moderate incline but now I do almost four hours two to three times a week on a moderate to hard incline {for me anyways}.

Grouse grind anyone?

The funny thing is, I actually hated hiking at first. Let's back up three years. I hiked the grouse grind {google it} for the very first time. It was awful. I was out of shape, hungry, poorly dressed, and I cried. I'm not even kidding. I finished it, barely, but I vowed never to do the grind again. And then I started hiking the chief {Google it}, but wouldn't finish the whole hike, and still didn't like it. But then, about ten months ago, I started hiking for a smaller amount of time on an easier trail. And liked it. I began pushing myself to go a bit further on harder inclines and really loved challenging myself. About three weeks ago, I decided to conquer the harder mountain trails. It still isn't easy for me but I am getting better and I am really enjoying it.

I still consider myself a novice at it but wanted to share a few tips I learned {some the hard way} with you:

1. eat something. I'm not a nutritionist but common sense does prevail. If you will be hiking in the morning like I do, it's important to have a small breakfast. Whether that means a muffin, a bowl of oatmeal or a hard boiled egg, eat. Your body needs the calories from it. Obviously you don't want bacon and eggs and toast before as you will probably barf from exertion but having protein or carbs in an amount that will both satisfy you yet won't leave you feeling super full is best. Case in point: the first time I hiked the grind, I did so on an empty stomach. Not only was my body in panic mode from exercising hard, I was starving. It just made me miserable. All I could think about in between bouts of tiredness and crying was how I couldn't take another step because I was so hungry. And feeling nauseated. Never again.

2. Wear appropriate footwear and clothes. Now don't go running out and spending a ton of cash on hiking gear yet {unless you want too}. But dress prepared. As you can see in the top photo, I am wearing running shoes. Not totally recommended but I find it easier for me to wear these as they are light and don't weigh me down and the bottoms are 'grippy' enough to prevent some slipping. Just don't wear converse like I did the first time. In terms of clothing, layers. No matter the time of year, you will sweat. In summer, a tank top under a long sleeve and in winter, a tank top under a long sleeve under a rain jacket. I had chose to wear an old see through tank under a thick hoodie the first time out and almost died from overheating. I couldn't take my hoodie off because I wasn't willing to show off my bra and boobs so I suffered. Now I wear a cheap tank that does the job. Don't forget a hat. Especially if you do trails that are open and not covered. I do two types of trails on my hikes: a covered one {like the grind} and an open one {usually by power lines}. If it's hot and sunny or cold and raining, having your head covered helps.

3. Water. Now, I try to carry the least amount of stuff as I possibly can. A water bottle is a pain in the ass to haul around but a necessity.

4. Headphones. I don't always use them but it's nice to have if you feel like kickin' out the jams on mile seven.

5. A small snack. I pack trail mix or jerky. It's light, won't take up a bunch of room and satisfies my body by giving me much needed energy whether it's half way through or right after.

I use a small backpack to put my water, phone, and snack in. And my long sleeve shirt if it gets hot. And that's about it. I can't stand being weighed down so I keep it to a minimum.

Once you get started, don't be afraid to challenge yourself by timing yourself and going a bit faster or further. And mix it up. Try different trails and inclines. And enjoy the views: